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A Luxury Stay at Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

March 24, 2014 by cheriecity

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is one of the city’s newest five star hotels, bringing a touch of Asian luxury to the European bank.

The elegant hotel occupies a prestigious location next door to Dolmabahce Palace in the converted 1930s Besiktas Tobacco Warehouse.

Location

Within walking distance is the chic Nisantasi shopping district while the Besiktas ferry terminal is just in front of the hotel and the Kabatas funicular and modern tram station is a 10-15 minutes walk. Staying along this peaceful stretch of the Bosphorus is much quieter than busy Taksim and touristic Sultanahmet, yet both are easily accessed by metro or taxi.

The stunning marble lobby is truly dazzling with stately furniture, Chinese vases, shimmering chandeliers, artistic flower arrangements and a grand staircase under a dome-shaped atrium. The also hotel features over 1000 pieces of European and Asian art.

The cosy Lobby Lounge offers afternoon tea and light snacks and Le Bar next door is a hotspot for expertly-mixed cocktails, tapas and mezze.

Arrival

The hotel features 186 guestrooms and suites, including the opulent Shangri-La Suite with three private terraces. Even the glass lift that took us to our suite following a welcoming check-in is feminine and pretty with a Chinese pastel birdcage print on the wall.

The Suite

Our Deluxe Bosphorus Suite was simply breathtaking and ever so elegant, subtly blending Turkish, Asian and French design influences. The reception area leads on to an enormous living room on the corner of the hotel with fantastic floor to ceiling views of the Bosphorus Strait, looking out to the Asian side of Istanbul.

The living room features a dark wood dining table for four, executive writing desk, a comfortable sofa area and a 42-inch LCD satellite TV with in-house movie channels and DVD player. The marble-topped bar area includes a minibar filled with premium spirits, complimentary mineral water, a Nespresso machine and a separate kettle with five mini caddies of Ronnefeldt loose leaf tea.

It was a delight to choose between fine teas such as Princess Grey, jasmine pearl and Morning Dew mango and citrus green tea for different times of the day to truly feel at home. We were also welcomed with welcomed with a pot of Chinese green tea served in a lovely basket with china cups.

The living room was also filled with stunning flowers that perfumed and brightened the room – a thoughtful touch that can sometimes be overlooked in luxury hotels. Another home comfort is complimentary high-speed wifi, which made it easy to plan our days exploring Istanbul.

Following on from the living room is an impressive walk-in wardrobe with two expansive rails, plenty of drawers and storage space (ideal for long-stay guests).

The Bedroom

Our spacious bedroom was serene and bright, designed in a soft palette of cream and beige with teal and grey-blue highlights. It has an enviable view of the Bosphorus, giving the illusion that you could dive right in. Waking up to such an inspiring landscape with the light streaming in each morning was a real treat and made leaving our heavenly king-size bed that little bit easier.

I loved the ornate fabrics in the bedroom, mixing light chinoiserie with metallic and embroidered textures. We found the sumptuous pillows 300-thread count linen absolutely perfect, but there is a pillow menu with hypoallergenic options, if guests have a particular preference.

Turndown

At evening turndown, cotton mats and complimentary bottles of mineral water are placed by the bed with a Shangri-La bookmark next to a copy of James Hilton’s Lost Horizon.

The Bathroom

The seductive black marble bathroom with heated floors boasts a deep soaking tub, rainfall shower, double sink, a mist-free mirror with flat-screen TV and a drawer filled with bathroom essentials. There are plenty of luxurious towels, face cloths and plush embroidered bathrobes and slippers. I loved the brilliant white sliding doors with carved Asian patterns that separate all of the rooms.

The bathroom is generously filled with Bvlgari White Tea bathroom products plus bath salts and a reed diffuser with the Shangri-La signature scent – a warm blend of vanilla, sandal, musk, bergamot and tea spiced with ginger.

Breakfast

Each morning, we headed down for an indulgent breakfast at IST TOO, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that serves both Asian and Mediterranean cuisine and features a Japanese sushi bar and noodle puller.

Starting the day in IST TOO is a fabulous affair, particularly if you can score a table overlooking The Bosphorus, although the sofa seats are comfortable and luxurious. A number of breakfast stations offer tempting hot dishes, eggs cooked to order, delicious pastries, gourmet cereal, fresh juices, yoghurts, fruit compotes and everything needed for a traditional Turkish breakfast.

I particularly liked the pancakes served with maple syrup and chocolate spread and the blueberry custard pastries.

The hotel also offers Cantonese fine dining with its signature restaurant Shang Palace on the lower ground floor. I dined at Shang Palace at Shangri-La Paris and was wowed by its excellent dim sum, barbecued meats and tasty claypot dishes.

The Swimming Pool and Spa

Spending a few hours enjoying the hotel’s impressive health and leisure facilities is an absolute must when staying at the hotel. Guests can work out at the state-of-the-art gym and swim under hand-painted clouds in the stunning heated indoor pool with tiny mosaics or relax with a herbal tea on the poolside loungers.

The friendly, attentive staff offered us fresh fruit and bottled water and guided us up to CHI Spa to try the spa facilities (separate for men and women). The expansive CHI Spa has a distinctly Asian feel and includes facilities such as a hammam, sauna, Turkish bath, tropical experience shower and relaxation room with plush spa beds.

Treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies are available and guests can enjoy a complimentary 15 minute reflexology appointment (be sure to book a slot right away, as they fill up quickly).

What really adds character to Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is the warmth and helpfulness of the staff. Concierge really impressed us when we decided at last minute to have dinner at the very popular Karaköy Lokantasi. Within a few moments, we had a table secured and were on our way there in a taxi.

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is a fantastic new addition to design-conscious Istanbul and ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious retreat away from the crowds. With such spectacular views, opulent interiors and fine attention to detail, it’s easy to fall for Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul.

For more information and booking, visit: www.shangri-la.com

Chérie City was a guest of Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Photos by Chérie City and Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Afternoon tea, Cafes, Istanbul, Restaurants

Amazing Places to Eat Out in Istanbul

March 3, 2014 by cheriecity

A highlight of a trip to Istanbul is the fantastic food. The streets are filled with the mouthwatering aromas of delicious ocakbasi chargrilled meat, honey-drench fresh baklava and freshly-pressed pomegranate juice. Here are some top picks for eating out in Istanbul…

Antiochia

Tucked away on a side street in Asmalimescit, Antiochia is an intimate, low-key neighbourhood restaurant that offers dishes inspired by the city of Antakya in Turkey’s sourthern Hatay region.

Owned by celebrity chef Jale Balci, Antiochia attracts a hipster crowd and the interiors are as unfussy as the simple menu (just around ten meze dishes and a few kebabs). The restaurant is tiny with less than 20 covers, so we were very lucky to score a walk-in table.

We started with two amazing meze dishes – Houmous and Aubergine with Yoghurt and Garlic – served with the most delicious, seemingly unlimited, flatbread rubbed with chilli. If you’re extra peckish, or are dining with a bigger group, a mixed meze plate is a good choice (the staff tried to push us towards this).

My Chicken Shish was marinated in spices and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection on the charcoal grill. It was served on a thin chili wrap with a fresh tomato and sumac salad, a grilled tomato and green chili. Steven’s Beef Durum Wrap was filled with tender pieces of beef, onion and grilled tomatoes with a good dose of spice.

Having already filled up on sugar with afternoon tea earlier that afternoon, we thought it best to skip dessert. However, Antiochia is the place to try some authentic Turkish sweets such as Künefe (a cheese pastry soaked in syrup) or a walnut and eggplant dessert served with home-made ice cream.

Otherwise, you could grab some baklava or mastic ice cream from nearby Istiklal Caddesi, where cafes and sweet shops are open into the late evening.

Mama Shelter Istanbul

Staying and eating at Mama Shelter Paris was one of my favourite hotel experiences, so obviously we just had to check out Mama Shelter Istanbul. Located on a side street just off the bustling Istiklal Caddesi, Mama Shelter Istanbul has all of the eccentricity and character that you’d expect from the forward-thinking brand with cool interiors by Philippe Starck.

Alain Senderens and Jérôme Banctel’s Franco-Turkish menu is full of innovative yet comforting dishes and there is also a pizza menu.

As we visited during a religious holiday, it was very quiet, however I imagine it is the place to be in Beyoglu during the summer months with the open roof terrace and weekend DJ sets. There is even a glass cabinet of musical instruments to really get the party started.

I started with a zingy Mama Lemonade (9 TL) and Steven tried a punchy Gingerapple (13 TL), which were both served long and topped with fresh apple and strawberry.

The Marinated Chicken Skewers with Carrot Puree (33 TL) was absolutely delicious. The two large skewers of chargrilled chicken breast and thigh were tender and succulent (though less spicy than others I tried in Istanbul) and I really loved the smooth, rich and tangy carrot puree.

Steven tried the Yoghurt Kebab (34 TL) – tasty chargrilled lamb patties in a spicy tomato sauce served with torn pieces of flatbread, a hot green chili and cool saffron yoghurt.

We couldn’t resist trying Mama’s Chocolate Souffle (19 TL) for dessert. Served in a mini cast iron pot, the Chocolate Souffle had a soft cake texture with a gooey, molten middle and was accompanied by vanilla ice cream and a peanut brittle crisp.

Miyako at Swissotel The Bosphorus

Miyako is a great choice for authentic Japanese food in Istanbul. I recommend starting with some Ebi Tempura and Beef Tataki, followed by teppanyaki Grilled Chicken or Beef Tenderloin. Be sure to leave some room for Chocolate Pudding with Coco Banana Sauce and a glass of Umeshu Plum Wine.

Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah

Afternoon tea in Istanbul is an absolute must and the grand dame of tea and cake is the historic Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah. Enjoy a fabulous buffet afternoon tea in splendid surroundings to the sounds of a live pianist.

Tea is served in elegant silver pots and the selection of exquisite cakes, sweets and biscuits is so overwhelming that it’s almost impossible to try them all (a challenge for the most die-hard afternoon tea fans).

Karaköy Lokantasi

Istanbul’s hip Karaköy neighbourhood is not to be missed and we were delighted when the brilliant concierge at Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul was able to secure us a reservation at the immensely popular Karaköy Lokantasi.

Owned by Aylin Okutan and Oral Kurt, and designed by Autoban, Karaköy Lokantasi is a casual, affordable eatery with the boutique guesthouse Karaköy Rooms above. The atmospheric two-floor restaurant features pretty turquoise tiles inspired by the Topkapi Palace offers traditional Turkish meze and kebabs with a contemporary approach.

We started with some Houmous, which was smooth and full of flavour, topped with fresh chick peas and mint. I was a little disappointed that they serve wholemeal sliced bread rather than traditional Turkish flatbread, but it was tasty nevertheless.

Fried Shrimps (18 TL) were plump and ever so fresh, cooked in the most delicious chili, garlic and olive oil sauce.

My Grilled Meatballs (15 TL) were tender, satisfying and nicely charred on the outside. I found the small slice of potato rather dry and uninteresting, particularly as there was no sauce or yoghurt to perk it up. Steven’s Grilled Chicken (15 TL) was juicy and smoky, marinated with spicy chili and herbs.

Service had been swift throughout, but tailed off towards the end of the meal, so we ended up missing out on the chocolate pudding. Instead, we settled for the Semolina Cake with Cream (7 TL), which was a light and grainy sponge soaked with delicious sugar syrup.

Bej Karaköy

We found ourselves back in Karaköy at lunchtime and had heard good things about the Bej Karaköy. The cosy interiors are cool and arty and it seems to attract a creative crowd taking a break from visiting the nearby art galleries.

My Chicken Schnitzel (22 TL) was very tasty, served with chunky fries and a slice of lemon. Steven’s Grilled Cheese, Pesto and Tomato Sandwich (12 TL) was tasty and simple, served with a fresh green salad and cherry tomatoes. We washed them down with some Turkish tea (6 TL) served in a small glass on a pretty blue china saucer.

Service at Bej Karaköy was unfortunately rather charmless during our visit, which I hope was a one-off, as the place itself is great.

ADA Cafe & Bookstore

We spent our last few hours in Istanbul picking up some Turkish tea, baklava and Turkish delight on the Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu. Having spotted ADA Cafe & Bookstore earlier in the week, we stopped there for a quick bite before heading to the airport.

ADA Cafe & Bookstore is a slick book and music store with a casual restaurant serving Turkish and international dishes.

We ordered two Turkish teas and were served quickly by the friendly, efficient staff. My Chicken Shish (21 TL) was succulent and nicely charred, served with some average potato wedges, tasty Asian style vegetables and BBQ sauce.

Steven’s ADA Cheeseburger (18 TL) was cooked Turkish style on the charcoal grill and came with American cheese, potato wedges and a fresh sweetcorn and black olive salad.

ADA Cafe & Bookstore is a handy spot in Beyoglu’s busy shopping area for a relaxing lunch or afternoon Turkish tea and cake, plus there is a selection of English language books available.

Shake Shack

Why go to Shake Shack when Istanbul does grilled meat so well? Well, Shake Shack happened to be useful when we needed something quick and easy for a very late lunch after getting lost in Sultanahmet. Shake Shack hasn’t quite yet invaded Europe at present, with outlets only in London, Moscow and Istanbul, so it’s worth visiting if you want to try the now famous New York burger.

We visited the Tünel branch on Istiklal Caddesi, just a few minutes away from our hotel, and there was no queue so we were served immediately.

As expected, our ShackBurgers pretty much the same as the others we’d tried in Manhattan and London, but there are some fun local touches such as the Pistachio in Tünel and Tramway Treat concretes.

Perhaps because of the exchange rate, but it’s also somewhat cheaper than the London branch, so it’s not a bad bet for a speedy lunch fix.

Are you a fan of authentic Turkish food? Where is your favourite dining spot in Istanbul?

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Istanbul, Restaurants

Miyako at Swissotel The Bosphorus

February 19, 2014 by cheriecity

Swissotel The Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s largest five star hotels, elevated on a on a hillside, overlooking leafy Maçka Park and the stunning Golden Horn.

This leading contemporary luxury hotel is just a short distance from the Dolmabahçe Palace, the chic Nisantasi shopping neighbourhood and busy Taksim Square. While the hotel can be easily spotted from the banks of the Bosphorus, its feels secluded and private, almost like its own resort.

We visited Swissotel The Bosphorus for an indulgent dinner at its Japanese restaurant Miyako. The hotel also offers the innovative rooftop restaurant Gaja (only open in the summer months) and Cafe Swiss, which serves Swiss and Turkish dishes.

Having trekked up the steep incline towards Nisantasi earlier in the day, we decided to take a taxi and arrive in style. The thought of battling the pouring rain and numerous steps in heels was just too much, plus taxis in Istanbul are incredibly cheap (we took many during our stay).

Miyako is a minimalist, spacious restaurant that includes a sushi bar, teppanyaki grill and a private tatami room. Our table overlooked the hotel’s pretty Japanese gardens, although it was a little too dark that evening to fully appreciate them.

We were greeted warmly by our waitress, who was dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono. She brought us a cold towel to refresh and explained the menu thoroughly, making some excellent recommendations.

We began the meal with a lovely glass of chilled Umeshu Plum Wine (35 TL) and grazed on some Japanese and Chinese bites. Miyako also offers a collection of tempting Sake speciality cocktails made with Asian fruits and juices, lemongrass, ginger and wasabi.

Ebi Tempura (45 TL) was deliciously fresh jumbo king prawns, enrobed in a bubbly, crisp tempura batter, served with a soy dipping sauce and a wedge of lemon.

Beef Tataki (35 TL) with onions and ponzu sauce was thin slices of tender, lean and juicy rare beef marinated in a light and tangy sauce. The portion size was generous and it was a satisfying, tasty dish that should not be missed.

We also couldn’t resist trying Steamed Dim Sum with Shrimp (25 TL) from the Chinese menu. The tasty, plump parcels were filled with tightly packed seasoned shrimp and covered in a silky wrapping.

I loved the Miso Soup (18 TL), which came served piping hot in a black lacquer pot with just the right amount of saltiness and large cubes of tofu and thinly-sliced spring onion.

We were both keen to try the recommended teppanyaki for our main course. As we visited during a religious holiday, Miyako was understandably quiet, so we didn’t experience the theatrics and fun experience of a teppanyaki chef cooking at the table.

The Beef Tenderloin (55 TL) was succulent, lean and perfectly cooked medium, served with with chargrilled Japanese vegetables and a mix of shredded carrots and beansprouts in a soy-sesame sauce.

Half Chicken Teppanyaki (32 TL) was just as tasty with a generous amount of tender sliced chicken that was soft on the inside and grilled to a golden crisp on the outside. The teppanyaki dishes were both served with a trio of rich dipping sauces – tomato, garlic and sweet and sour.

We enjoyed our teppanyaki dishes with a large side of comforting Egg Fried Rice (25 TL) filled with carrots and spring onion and flavoursome Vegetable Fried Egg Noodles (22 TL) with bamboo shoots, baby sweetcorn, carrots, cabbage, red peppers and a sesame soy sauce.

Throughout the meal, we enjoyed cups of hot green tea and jasmine pearl tea, which were continually refilled. I love drinking tea with meals, as it helps with digestion and reminds me of my travels in Asia.

For dessert, I was tempted by the decadent Chocolate Pudding with Coco Banana Sauce (18 TL). The chocolate pudding had a soft cake texture and a molten centre and was accompanied by a light, delicate coconut milk sauce with pieces of soft, sweet banana that were infused with the sauce. The impressive fried rice garnish added a crispy texture and went perfectly with the fragrant coconut flavour.

Green Tea Ice Cream (18 TL) didn’t quite have the wow factor of the chocolate pudding, but it’s a perfect choice if you’re too full for a large dessert. The luxurious ice cream was packed with lots of high quality matcha green tea and I loved the pretty blue and gold leaf plate that it was presented on.

Miyako is a slick, calm restaurant to enjoy some excellent Japanese food while in Istanbul. Service was well-timed so we could have a leisurely meal and we were well looked after by the attentive staff. If visiting during the summer months, be sure to make use of the hotel’s glorious outdoor areas with a stylish cocktail on the terrace.

Chérie City was invited by Miyako at Swissotel The Bosphorus

Photos by Chérie City and Swissotel The Bosphorus

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Istanbul

A Luxury Stay at Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul

February 10, 2014 by cheriecity

Pera Palace Hotel, Turkey’s oldest European hotel, is steeped in history and full of old world character and charm.

Opened in 1892, the Pera Palace was a glamorous destination for the passengers of the Orient Express. Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express while staying at the belle epoque hotel and other legendary guests have included Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Mata Hari, Sarah Bernhardt and Alfred Hitchcock.

Pera Palace Hotel also has ‘museum hotel’ status with dozens of historic artefacts on display, plus the converted Ataturk Museum, paying tribute to the great Turkish leader.

Today, after extensive renovations, Pera Palace Hotel’s legacy lives on, but with all the modern touches that you’d expect from a five-star luxury hotel.

Location

Based in Istanbul’s vibrant Beyoglu district on the European side, the hotel is within walking distance of the neighbourhood’s lively bars and restaurants, the bustling Istiklal Caddesi shopping street and contemporary art galleries, as well as the renowned Pera Museum. Beyoglu was my favourite part of Istanbul and Pera Palace is at the heart of all the action, yet still quiet enough for a relaxing stay.

Arrival

When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and offered a refreshing glass of home-made lemonade as we checked in. The ornate marble lobby is grand and stately yet welcoming.

The Room

Our Deluxe Golden Horn King Room was elegant and full of character with antique furniture and beautiful furnishing in muted colours. The traditional Turkish rug and silk chaise-longue gave it a homely feel.

Room features include a widescreen interactive HD LCD TV, iPod docking station, full-size writing desk, minibar, free wifi and a Nespresso machine and tea making facilities. It was lovely to be able to have a hot drink in the room after a long day of exploring and we were also given complimentary bottled water at turndown.

The king-size bed was heavenly and covered in crisp linen with luxurious embroidered pillows. I had some connectivity issues with the wifi on my tablet, but the hotel kindly gave me a laptop to use for the duration of our two-night stay.

The highlight of the room is the fabulous private balcony offering stunning views over the Golden Horn. There is a small marble table and chairs, so you can soak up the Istanbul sun in the warmer months or marvel at a glorious sunset with a glass of Champagne and baklava.

A Welcome Treat

I was delighted to find a welcome platter of baklava and fresh strawberries waiting for us in the room, which we grazed on while admiring the view from our balcony. The baklava was of the finest quality and set a high standard as the first of many more to come on our foodie tour of Istanbul.

The Bathroom

The white Carrara marble bathroom was petite yet luxurious with a beautiful walk-in shower (complete with a marble bench to sit on), Pure Herbs bathroom amenities, luxurious monogrammed towels and sumptuous embroidered bathrobes and slippers.

There is a decorative tinted glass window between the bedroom and the bathroom, allowing in plenty of natural light. It can be a little transparent at times, but it doesn’t feel too intrusive.

For the ultimate indulgence, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah offers signature suites such as the Pierre Loti Suite, Ernest Hemingway Suite, Greta Garbo Corner Room and Agatha Christie King Room.

Breakfast

In the morning, breakfast is served in Agatha Restaurant with hot dishes made to order and a bountiful breakfast buffet. Guests can start the day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, eggs cooked any style, pastries, yoghurt, cereal and fruits. I loved the freshly-made waffles and fluffy pancakes served with maple syrup or chocolate spread.

For lunch and dinner, Agatha Restaurant offers a fusion of French, Italian and Turkish cuisine, inspired by three of the most famous stops on the Orient Express.

Afternoon Tea

During our stay, we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to afternoon tea in the Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge. We started with a selection of sandwiches and savouries and fine teas served in silver teapots. The centre table was laden with so many exquisite cakes, sweets and biscuits that it was impossible to try all of them.

We grazed leisurely while a pianist serenaded us with classical and popular pieces – a perfect first afternoon in Istanbul. As we visited during a religious holiday, it was rather quiet (giving us unbridled access to the cakes), but I imagine it’s a real hotspot for a refined afternoon tea.

Patisserie de Pera

As if there weren’t enough cakes already in the Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge, more sweet delights can be found at the hotel’s Patisserie de Pera, a dreamy pink tea salon designed by Anouska Hempel. The counter is filled with the most tempting cakes, macarons and pastries, served by staff wearing pretty powder pink dresses. There is also an outlet of Patisserie de Pera inside Brandroom, a hip department store in the chic Nisantasi shopping district.

The Orient Bar

The Orient Bar is a seductive, opulent place to have a cocktail at night and in the summer months, the Orient Terrace is the place to enjoy sultry evenings over an al fresco meal or sundowner drinks.

Swimming Pool and Spa

To unwind from a day of sightseeing (and cake eating), guests can relax in the tranquil spa with its jet streamed swimming pool, Turkish hammam and fully-equipped gym.

Pera Palace Hotel is a rare cultural gem where you can lose yourself in the stories of its glorious past. With friendly staff and attention to small details, it’s one of the most luxurious, memorable ways to experience magnificent Istanbul.

For more information and booking, visit: www.perapalace.com

Chérie City was invited by Pera Palace Hotel

Photos by Chérie City and Pera Palace Hotel

Art, Exhibitions, Istanbul

13th Istanbul Biennial 2013

October 19, 2013 by cheriecity

This week in Istanbul, we managed to get a last-chance look at the 13th Istanbul Biennial 2013 exhibition in Antrepo no.3, a cool warehouse space next to the Istanbul Modern in Tophane.

Curated by Fulya Erdemci, the biennial entitled ‘Mom, am I Barbarian?’ examines the concept of the public domain as a political forum.

The exhibition at Antrepo no.3 features documentary photography by LaToya Ruby Frazier, urban drawings by Christoph Schäfer and Tadashi Kawamata, video pieces by Mika Rottenberg and Halil Altindere and installations by Ayse Erkmen, Nathan Coley and HONF (The House of Natural Fiber).

The Istanbul Biennial brings the works of emerging and established artists directly to the public with exhibitions across the city’s art spaces such as ARTER, SALT Beyoglu, 5533 and Galata Greek Primary School.

Take an inside look at the works by exhibiting artists at Antrepo no.3…

13th Istanbul Biennial 2013 runs until 20th October at venues across Istanbul.

All photos by Chérie City